or קָו; from קָוָה (compare קָוֶה); a cord (as connecting), especially formeasuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord; line. Compare קַו־קַוlemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו.
Transliteration:qav
Pronunciation:kav
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קַו (qav), Strong's number `{{H6957}}`, fundamentally denotes a "cord" or "line." Its etymological root is often linked to the verb קָוָה (qavah), which carries meanings of "to wait," "to hope," but also "to bind together" or "to collect." This connection suggests an underlying concept of connection, extension, or definition.
Literally, קַו refers to a physical line, particularly one used for measuring, as in a measuring cord or plumb line. This application is evident in contexts of construction, surveying, or establishing boundaries.
Figuratively, its semantic range expands to encompass:
* **A rule or standard:** A fixed measure against which things are judged or ordered.
* **A boundary or rim:** The defining edge of an object or area.
* **A musical string:** Indicating its use in instruments, implying a specific tension or tone.
The phrase קַו־קַו (qav-qav), mentioned in the Strong's entry, points to a repetitive or incremental nature, as seen in prophetic warnings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of קַו in the Hebrew Bible demonstrates both its literal and metaphorical senses, often with profound theological implications.
In physical contexts, it denotes a measuring line, highlighting precision and design. For instance, in the description of the bronze "sea" in Solomon's temple, a "line" (קַו) of thirty cubits is said to encircle its brim ([[1 Kings 7:23]], [[2 Chronicles 4:2]]). Similarly, in the divine questioning of Job, God asks, "Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the measuring line (קַו) upon it?" ([[Job 38:5]]), emphasizing the meticulous order of creation.
More significantly, קַו functions metaphorically in prophetic literature, particularly in Isaiah, to convey concepts of divine judgment, order, and revelation.
* In [[Isaiah 28:10]] and [[Isaiah 28:13]], the phrase "line upon line, line upon line, precept upon precept, precept upon precept, a little here, a little there" (קַו לָקָו קַו לָקָו צַו לָצָו צַו לָצָו זְעֵיר שָׁם זְעֵיר שָׁם) describes God's incremental, perhaps even seemingly tedious, instruction to a rebellious people. It can be interpreted as God's patient teaching or, ironically, the people's dismissive perception of His word as mere repetitive rules.
* In [[Isaiah 34:11]], קַו is used to describe the "line of confusion" (קַו תֹהוּ) and the "plumb line of emptiness" (אַבְנֵי בֹהוּ) that God will stretch over Edom in judgment. Here, the tools of order and construction are re-purposed as instruments of de-creation and desolation, signifying utter chaos and destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding קַו includes terms related to measurement, order, and divine standards.
* **`{{H6960}}` קָוָה (qavah):** The verbal root, implying "to wait," "to hope," but also "to bind together" or "to collect." This connection reinforces the idea of a connecting or defining line.
* **`{{H2256}}` חֶבֶל (chevel):** "Rope," "cord," or "measuring line." This term often overlaps with קַו in its literal sense of a physical cord.
* **`{{H4060}}` מִדָּה (middah):** "Measure," "dimension," or "proportion." This noun denotes the result of applying a measuring line.
* **`{{H3477}}` יָשָׁר (yashar):** "Straight," "right," "upright." Conceptually, a "line" implies straightness and adherence to a standard, aligning with the idea of righteousness.
* **`{{H4949}}` מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat):** "Judgment," "justice," "ordinance." In contexts where קַו signifies a standard, it relates to the divine principles of justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קַו is multifaceted, reflecting God's nature as both Creator and Judge.
Firstly, its use in contexts of creation (e.g., [[Job 38:5]]) underscores God's meticulous design and the inherent order of the cosmos. The "measuring line" implies divine precision, intentionality, and a foundational structure to all that exists. Creation is not haphazard but built according to a divine blueprint and measured standard.
Secondly, and perhaps most prominently, קַו serves as a potent metaphor for God's unyielding standards of righteousness and His impending judgment. In prophetic books, the "line" represents the divine benchmark against which human actions, nations, and even the covenant people are measured. When God stretches out a "line of confusion" or a "plumb line of emptiness" ([[Isaiah 34:11]]), it signifies that He is actively bringing about disorder and desolation as a consequence of deviation from His righteous standard. This emphasizes the certainty and exactitude of divine judgment; there is a clear "line" that determines destiny.
Thirdly, the repetitive "line upon line" ([[Isaiah 28:10]], [[Isaiah 28:13]]) speaks to God's method of revelation and instruction. While sometimes perceived as tedious by the unhearing, it highlights God's patient, consistent, and perhaps incremental communication of His will, demanding adherence to His revealed "lines" or precepts.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַו (qav, `{{H6957}}`) primarily denotes a "cord" or "line," particularly one used for measuring. Its semantic range extends to encompass a rule, standard, boundary, or even a musical string. In the biblical narrative, קַו appears literally in contexts of physical construction and measurement, emphasizing precision and design. More profoundly, it functions as a powerful metaphor for God's divine standards of righteousness and the certainty of His judgment. It signifies the meticulous order of creation, the unyielding "line" by which all things are measured, and the precise execution of divine justice, often leading to desolation for those who fail to align with God's perfect "line." The concept of קַו thus reveals a God who is both the architect of order and the enforcer of His righteous decrees.
TRV